Circulation statistics in the evaluation of collection development

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to describe how circulation statistics may be used to evaluate collection development policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The circulation statistics of books acquired by a science library in a specific year are analyzed by publisher, publication date, and subject.

Findings

The paper finds that older books circulated more than recently published titles purchased at the same time. Circulation averages varied considerably between publishers.

Research limitations/implications

Checkouts are an imprecise measure of value. Number of items not purchase costs is the denominator of all averages used; there is a data bias against inexpensive books.

Originality/value

The procedure outlined can be used generally to evaluate collection development policies.

Citation

Adams, B. and Noel, B. (2008), "Circulation statistics in the evaluation of collection development", Collection Building, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 71-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950810870227